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Is it normal for a cat to go three days without defecating?
Defecation refers to bowel movements. Generally, it is abnormal for a cat to go three days without defecating. Under normal circumstances, cats will defecate once to three times a day. If there is no defecation, it may be due to gastrointestinal diseases. Without timely treatment, it can cause abdominal discomfort, affect normal absorption and digestion of food, and even affect daily life. It is recommended that owners take their cats to a regular pet hospital for a comprehensive examination as soon as possible to identify the cause of the disease and cooperate with the doctor's treatment.
1. Causes of a cat going three days without defecating:
- Insufficient food intake
If a cat eats too little, it can lead to slow gastrointestinal peristalsis, affecting the normal excretion of food, and resulting in no defecation.
- Lack of exercise
If a cat lies down or sleeps after eating frequently, it can affect normal metabolism and reduce the number of defecations.
- Constipation
Usually caused by slow gastrointestinal peristalsis, it can affect the excretion of food in the stomach and intestines, leading to difficulty in defecation. If not improved in time, it can affect normal defecation.
- Intestinal obstruction
The disease can cause blockage of the intestinal contents, leading to reduced appetite, abdominal pain, no defecation or gasping, and long-term absence of defecation.
2. Treatments for a cat going three days without defecating:
- General treatment
When a cat has no defecation, it is recommended to encourage the cat to exercise, such as walking or slow running, which can accelerate the movement of the gastrointestinal tract and promote food excretion.
- Drugs
If the cat has been without defecation for a long time, it can be treated with digestive enzymes under a doctor's guidance to improve defecation. If necessary, a pet-specific enema can be used to relieve constipation and promote defecation.
- Surgery
If there is an obstruction in the intestinal area, surgical treatment is necessary under a doctor's guidance to restore the normal function of the obstructed intestine and alleviate difficulty in defecation.
In daily life, a cat's diet needs to be adjusted, with small meals and no overeating. Half an hour of exercise is required after meals, which is beneficial for the absorption and digestion of food.